There cannot any one moral rule be proposed whereof a man…
“There cannot any one moral rule be proposed whereof a man may not justly demand a reason. Every man has a property in his own person. This nobody has any right to but himself. The people cannot delegate to government the power to do anything which would be unlawful for them to do themselves.”
About This Quote
This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.
Each individual owns themselves and cannot be compelled by others without justification.
In simple terms: Self‑ownership is fundamental.
Key Takeaway
Respect personal autonomy.
Themes
rights
autonomy
government
law
individualism
Mood
thoughtful
serious
Type
philosophical
political
When to use this quote
- personal decisions
- legal disputes
- government policy
- civil rights
Key Concepts
social contract
natural rights
property
Questions to Reflect On
- How do we balance personal rights with societal duties?
- When is it justified to limit autonomy?
A Different Perspective
May conflict with collective responsibilities.